2023 AFA Research Report

Stakeholders of the accountancy profession must collaborate to address gaps in technology adoption

As part of its ongoing thought leadership initiative, AFA commissioned the ASEAN Accounting Education Workgroup (AAEW) to conduct a regional study on Technology Adoption by the Accountancy Profession in ASEAN Countries. Established in 2015, the AAEW aims to enhance higher education accounting programs across ASEAN, aligning them with global standards. The study examines the profound impact of technological advancements on the global workforce, with a particular focus on the disruptive effects within the accountancy profession.

Recognising the increasing importance of digital skills in the profession, the study explores the integration of technology education into the accountancy curriculum. It raises critical questions about the depth of technology knowledge needed, effective teaching methods within time constraints, and challenges faced by Professional Accountancy Organisations (PAO), accountancy professionals, and schools in addressing digital skill needs.

Following a yearlong research activity, AFA, together with the AAEW, launched the 2023 AFA Research Report at the ASEAN Accounting Education Conference 2023, hosted by the UNITAR International University on 2 November 2023. Attended by more than 250 representatives of major accounting schools in ASEAN, PAOs, academics, and practitioners from around the region, the conference presented two panel discussions with regional experts on key findings from the study and incorporation of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) into the accountancy curriculum.

The report also presented a proposed generic technology roadmap, emphasising collaboration between PAOs, accountancy schools, professionals, and the government. The roadmap outlines roles for each stakeholder in driving technology adoption and addresses challenges identified in the study, aiming to propel the accountancy profession into an increasingly technology-driven future.

The 2023 AFA Research Report is a product of the 2022 AFA Research Project sponsored by the Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand (CA ANZ), the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA®), and the Japanese Institute of Certified Public Accountants (JICPA).

Download the following documents:

1. 2023 AFA Research Report (Professional Version): 2023 AFA Research Report.
2. 2023 AFA Research Report (Industry Version): 2023 AFA Research Report (Layman's Edition)

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Category: ASEAN Accountants | Post on 21 November 2023